Specialist Provision for the Deaf at Medstead School

Our Specialist Provision for the Deaf (SPD) is a purpose built unit within the school comprised of one main classroom with an adjoining specialist speech and language therapy room. Our provision provides a stimulating environment for up to 6 children with widely varying levels of hearing. We are staffed by two Teachers of the Deaf and a team of British Sign Language (BSL) and Signed Supported English (SSE) trained Communication Support Workers. Our aim is to provide our deaf pupils with the opportunity to reach their full potential during the exciting years of primary education. We absolutely believe that students who are deaf can achieve as well their hearing peers. We are committed to their accessing of the curriculum and seamless inclusion in the school community.

British Sign Language for the letter Y, the sign for The Yew - our classroom in the specialist provision.

To develop deaf childrens’ self-esteem and resilience that revolves around a positive identity with their deafness.

To provide the children with full access to the National Curriculum. To offer differentiation and bespoke learning activities within this framework.

To identify individual needs of pupils and provide suitable programs of learning.

To provide adjustments to the school day that allow deaf children to have an equal chance of success.

To provide a service of equipment support for cochlear implants, radio aids and hearing aids.

To encourage the children to attain and achieve.

To encourage children to become good communicators, both linguistically and emotionally.

To prepare children for future learning and transfer to secondary school.

We have our own Deaf Instructor who works with the children to deliver high quality schemes of work, following a programme of Deaf Studies. These involve sessions on Deaf culture, Deaf role models, and both productive and receptive communication in BSL and SSE. Our Deaf Instructor also delivers emotional literacy support for deaf children needing this input.

We believe in integrating our Deaf pupils into the main school as fully as possible whilst withdrawing them to the Enhanced Provision, when appropriate, for structured interventions and to support their individual needs. The deaf children are placed in age-appropriate mainstream classes, attend registration there and supported in class as necessary. The amount of time spent in the provision depends on the needs of each child and is detailed in their provision maps. Our deaf children are an integral part of the school, and our hearing pupils are always welcome within the provision.

We value our provision as having a positive impact across the wider school and a lasting impression on the lives of all the children in the school. We believe that all children at Medstead benefit from the integration of Deaf awareness and sign language support by being involved in diversity at a young age. In this way our children celebrate and embrace difference, rather than being fearful of it, or using it to shun or to shame. Our provision’s influence on childrens' lives across the school aims to build adults who can see individuals rather than stereotypes, and who can function in diverse communities and workplaces. The experience of all children at Medstead is enriched through having the Specialist Provision for the Deaf as part of our inclusive school.

We are also accredited to deliver BSL Level 1 training with Signature and run a weekly sign club for parents, staff and pupils.

Contact Us

For further information about the Specialist Provision for the Deaf please use the contact form below.